In 2025, Emmanuel College proudly celebrates 50 years since women first joined its community. This milestone marks a half-century of transformation, achievement, and progress, recognising the women who have shaped the College’s history and contributed to its vibrant culture.
The admission of 60 young women to Emmanuel in 1975 was a pivotal moment, ushering in a new era of opportunity and diversity. Since then, generations of women have made their mark across academic, professional, and personal spheres, enriching Emmanuel College with their voices, talents, and accomplishments.
Reflecting on her time at Emmanuel, 1975 alumna, Wendy Jeays shared:
“It was good to meet a lot of people I wouldn’t have otherwise. The experience made you deal with new things — such as men! There were a lot of medical students at Emmanuel and being on campus was a definite advantage for studies. It was fun — especially the formal dinners in the beautiful dining room with the view out onto the river. Overall, Emmanuel was a positive experience.”
Wendy’s reflections capture the spirit of Emmanuel as a place where students grow academically and personally while forming connections that last a lifetime.
Throughout 2025, Emmanuel College will host a series of events and activities to honour this golden anniversary, to allow us to reflect on the half a century of stories of Emmanuel women. These celebrations aim to reflect on the past, acknowledge the progress made, and inspire future generations of women at Emmanuel. From a glamorous cocktail party to special workshops and lectures, student-led events and a shared storytelling initiative that will span 50 years, the College invites the entire community to take part in this historic occasion.
Join us as we commemorate 50 years of women at Emmanuel College—a legacy of courage, connection, and excellence. Together, we celebrate the progress that has been achieved and look forward to the future.
50 years of women at Emmanuel will be marked by the following activities that have been designed to honour our rich history, celebrate the achievements made by Emmanuel women, and set the stage for an inspiring future.
26 July 2025 Customs House, Brisbane
A glamorous event for the Emmanuel community including residents, alumni and friends of the College, and our main fundraiser for the 50 Years of Women campaign. The night will celebrate the achievements of women at Emmanuel College, raise funds for student female specific scholarships, and foster alumni connections.
Tickets will go on sale from 24 March 2025.
In partnership with Canterbury, we have produced an original Emmanuel College commemorative jersey to mark the celebration of 50 years of women at Emmanuel.
Originally worn by the College rugby teams in the 1940s, the jersey was adopted for general wear in the 1980s by residents and worn when supporting sporting and cultural College events.
Proceeds raised from sales of the jersey will go towards our Young Women Leaders Scholarship.
Pre-order your jersey today HERE for delivery in April.
A year-long campaign to collect and share 50 stories of women, highlighting their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Check out the stories of Emmanuel women HERE.
A number of student-led initiatives and student focused events will be planned across 2025.
Keep an eye on our socials for all our student events.
In celebration of the inspiring women who come through our wings each year, two new scholarships are now available.
Awarded to a commencing female-identifying student who has demonstrated a strong commitment to making a positive impact in her community. This scholarship will be awarded to a young woman with a strong work ethic, a passion for learning, and a desire to contribute meaningfully to the world around her.
Awarded to a returning female-identifying student to encourage more young women to step into student leadership roles and to support outstanding future women leaders undertaking undergraduate study in any discipline.
This scholarship was formed through the Emmanuel College Women’s Committee working group, who sought to address the challenges of gender equality within the student leadership groups including the Emmanuel College Students’ Club Inc., Wing Leaders and Office Holders at the College.
A series of impactful events spread across the year aimed at inspiring current students and engaging alumni. These events will include a mix of workshops and lectures. Workshops will be aimed at early to mid-career women.
Workshop and session information will be shared shortly.
